…Alleges Procurement Irregularities, Fund Diversion, Money Laundering
….Calls for Immediate Step Aside and Urgent Investigation
A coalition of civil society organisations led by the Integrity Advocacy for Development Initiative (IADI) has formally petitioned the Inspector General of Police and the Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU), demanding a full-scale criminal investigation into the financial conduct of the Acting Chairman of Etsako East Local Government Area in Edo State, Mr. Sunday Akiotu. The coalition alleges that Akiotu is involved in criminal conspiracy, procurement fraud, money laundering, abuse of office, and the systematic diversion of public funds estimated at over one hundred million naira into private accounts.
The petition, addressed to the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department in Abuja and routed through the PSFU in Lagos, was officially received on March 10, 2026. Copies obtained by our correspondent indicate that the coalition has formally requested urgent action, warning that failure to act may prompt a press conference and civil legal action to escalate the matter publicly.
IADI, a registered non-governmental organisation committed to transparency, accountability, and ethical governance, emphasised in the petition that the allegations are based on credible and verifiable evidence. The organisation, a member of the National Anti-Corruption Coalition under the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, cited its established relationship with law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies to underscore its legitimacy in bringing the matter forward.
According to the petition signed by Comrade Christopher Ofomhi, the controversy dates back to September 22, 2025, when Akiotu allegedly assumed multiple leadership positions within the council in a rapid sequence the coalition describes as irregular and in violation of established democratic procedures. Within less than twenty minutes, he reportedly assumed the roles of Acting Councilor, Speaker of the Local Government Legislative Arm, and Acting Chairman. He was sworn in as Acting Chairman the following day and simultaneously elevated to the position of Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria for Edo State, consolidating unprecedented authority in a single individual.
The coalition alleges that, from the onset of his tenure, Akiotu established a consistent pattern of diverting statutory allocations and internally generated revenue belonging to Etsako East Local Government Council. Specific bank accounts listed in the petition include a Sterling Bank account and a Zenith Bank account, into which public funds were allegedly transferred, totaling over one hundred million naira.
The petition further implicates at least two private companies, EKPESON Logistics and FILMANSON Nigeria Limited, as conduits for the alleged diversion and laundering of council funds. According to the coalition, EKPESON Logistics is linked to the acting chairman and has no verifiable record of executing any legitimate contracts for the council. FILMANSON Nigeria Limited, registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, is also accused of receiving public funds without delivering services or projects. The council’s Director of Finance, Mr. Ohiafi Kehinde Andrew, is alleged to have been compelled to facilitate the transfers, including issuing cheques in favour of these companies under pressure and intimidation.
Legally, the coalition argues that these actions constitute criminal conspiracy under Section 516 of the Criminal Code, stealing and misappropriation of public funds under Sections 383 and 390, abuse of office under the ICPC Act, money laundering under the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, and procurement fraud and diversion under the Public Procurement Act and other applicable financial regulations.
The coalition has demanded that Akiotu step aside immediately to allow an independent and unhindered investigation. It stressed that any delay or inaction would force the group to escalate the matter through public advocacy, press conferences, and civil legal action.
The Police Special Fraud Unit has invited Akiotu to appear for questioning on March 25, 2026. Other senior council officials, including the Director of Finance, the Head of Budget, Planning and Statistics, and the Director of Administration and General Services, have also been summoned, suggesting that investigators intend to examine the entire financial and administrative structure of the council.
Sources close to the investigation indicate that PSFU is already reviewing transaction patterns allegedly traced from the local government treasury to private accounts linked to Akiotu and associated entities. The unit has reaffirmed its commitment to a thorough, impartial, and professional investigation guided strictly by the rule of law.
The outcome of the investigation carries wider implications beyond Etsako East Local Government. Akiotu’s concurrent role as Chairman of Edo State ALGON means that the case could set a precedent for governance and fiscal accountability across all eighteen councils in the state. The coalition called on law enforcement agencies to act swiftly and decisively to safeguard public funds and restore confidence in local government administration.
See below for copy of the signed petition.
